It seems inevitable that the magic of the written word will fade.

Obviously, every child should be given the best possible opportunity to acquire literacy skills.

Nothing is perfect. Life is messy. Relationships are complex. Outcomes are uncertain. People are irrational.

If I were asked about what to do about the level of insecurity and anxiety in contemporary Australian society, I wouldn't start with politics and I wouldn't say too much about terrorism. I'd suggest as a first step, that you invite the neighbours over for a drink this weekend. Today a drink, tomorrow a barbeque, pretty soon, a community.

The thing we need most is each other.

Although we love the idea of choice - our culture almost worships it - we seek refuge in the familiar and the comfortable.

No one welcomes chaos, but why crave stability and predictability?